Author: Joy Gyakyor

The Independent National Election (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections raising fears that funding shortfalls could disrupt preparations. Chairman of INEC Professor Joash Amupitan stated this on Thursday in a presentation to the National Assembly, where he said total estimate covers five key areas. He said N379.75 billion is for operations, N92.32 billion for administration, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.91 billion for election capital costs, and N42.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses. Professor Amupitan presented this before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja, stressing compliance with the Electoral Act 2022’s requirement for…

Kaduna State governor Uba Sani has hailed his administration’s reforms as delivering early gains in public finance, governance and the business climate, with the state topping the country’s fiscal transparency rankings for two years running. Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai who represented the Governor at the 47th Kaduna International Trade Fair stated this and said the measures were stabilising finances, enhancing accountability and drawing investors. “Industrialisation must be rooted in local enterprise, local skills and strong local value chains,” she said, spotlighting agribusiness, minerals, manufacturing, ICT and services. The fair, she added, was a chance to…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has dismissed accusations that new housing for judges amounts to an attempt to undermine judicial independence, insisting the projects fulfil a constitutional duty. The Minister stated after inspecting major judicial infrastructure in Abuja, including the near-complete Court of Appeal office complex in Dakibiyu, judges’ quarters in Katampe and exclusive residences for court heads in Asokoro. Critics of the Minister have alleged that the accommodations—ordered by President Bola Tinubu to ease the judiciary’s housing shortages—represent an executive bid to “buy off” judges. But, Minister Wike rejects this, and has argued that judicial…

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has hailed US president Donald Trump’s praise for Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as a “respected woman” describing the development as a major diplomatic milestone for the country. Trump’s remarks came at the annual interfaith gathering attended by global leaders, where the America lPresident singled out Mrs. Tinubu amid discussions on faith and international ties. Oshiomhole said the pronouncement by the most powerful world President remains a significant diplomatic milestone that underscores religious harmony and elevates Nigeria’s stature on the world stage. The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly stated this while speaking…

President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic measures are steadying the country after years of instability and restoring public trust, the Miinister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has said. The Minister stated this while speaking in a virtual interview on ICAN ON Air, a live programme of  the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He said that scrapping fuel subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange rate were tough but essential fixes for deep-rooted problems. According to him, in May 2023, 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states could not pay salaries, with 97% of revenues swallowed by debt servicing. “You cannot…

The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled a national strategy to exploit the $7.7tn (£6.1tn) global halal economy, aiming to unlock $12bn in value and transform Nigeria into a halal-friendly tourism destination. Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this when he represented President Bola Tinubu to launch the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Vice President described it as a bold move to diversify exports, attract investment and create jobs, projecting a $1.5bn addition to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2027. “This document is a declaration of our promise to meet global standards with Nigerian capacity and to…

The Federal Government has inaugurated construction of the Bela Dam and a pilot drip irrigation scheme for sweet potato (kaukau) farming in Bichi, Kano State, as part of efforts to tackle flooding, enhance water security, and drive agricultural growth. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Professor Joseph Otsev at the foundation-laying ceremony in Bela community on Tuesday, described the £multi-million multipurpose dam – with a 775,000 cubic metre capacity – as a “major milestone” in sustainable water management. The project aims to curb perennial floods while supporting irrigation, drinking water, fisheries, and livestock in the area. Minister Utsev said it…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday inspected major road projects as Abuja marked its 50th anniversary, pledging completions to coincide with President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office. The Minister toured sites managed by Chinese firm Geoengineering Construction (CGC), including the N16 arterial road in Katampe district, the outer southern expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I to II, and a 3km access road to the Wasa informal sector hub. The Wasa road, designed to relocate traders from the Apo mechanics village, is due by August 2026, while OSEX and N16 should be ready by May.…

The World Bank on Tuesday rated Nigeria as a global benchmark for “steady, credible reform leadership”. Anna Bjerde, the bank’s managing director of operations, made the comments during a meeting on with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to the President Bayo Onanuga, the World Bank senior official  was accompanied by other bank officials. Bjerde hailed Nigeria’s reform drive over the past two years, praising the government’s resolve to press ahead despite headwinds. “This consistency and the clear evidence of positive…

The United States has dispatched a small team of ground troops to Nigeria, marking the first official confirmation of boots on the ground following Christmas Day airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump. Gen Dagvin RM Anderson, head of the US military’s Africa Command (Africom), announced the move on Tuesday, framing it as enhanced collaboration to counter a mounting terrorist threat in west Africa. “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” Anderson told journalists as reported by The Jerusalem Post.  Minister of Defence Christopher…